Boise lDS Temple rennovation done, tours start

Thursday , October 11, 2012 - 6:10 AM

Contributed

BOISE -- The renovation of Boise’s Mormon Temple was originally going to be a job to replace heating, plumbing, electrical systems and the like. But when church officials looked at the building, they decided a more extensive remodeling was necessary.

By the time the 16-month project was completed this month, 90 percent of the building was redone. The result: a multimillion dollar project - church officials won’t disclose the cost - whose improvements include crystal chandeliers, elegant hardwood, sparkling marble floors and a new granite skin on the outside.

"Almost everything inside the temple is brand new," said William R. Walker, executive director of the Temple Department for the church since 2007.

Temples are regarded as among the most sacred placed on earth to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The public can view the refurbished temple beginning Sat. Oct. 13 through Nov. 10, except for Sundays. For tickets to the free tours, go to www.boisemormontemple.org.